Chedli Klibi (6 September 1925 – 13 May 2020) was a prominent Tunisian politician and cultural advocate best known for serving as Secretary‑General of the Arab League from March 1979 to September 1990. His appointment was notable because he remains the only non‑Egyptian to hold that post. Klibi's career combined national cultural administration with regional diplomacy during a turbulent era for the Arab world.

National roles and cultural work

Klibi held several ministerial and municipal positions in Tunisia over many decades. He served repeatedly as Minister of Cultural Affairs (1961–1970, 1971–1973, 1976–1978) under President Habib Bourguiba, and was chief of staff to the president from 1974 to 1976. He served as Minister of Information from 1978 to 1979. Concurrently, Klibi was mayor of Carthage from 1963 until 1990, a long tenure during which he promoted cultural programmes, historic preservation and public events linked to Tunisia's archaeological and artistic heritage.

Secretary‑General of the Arab League

Appointed in March 1979, Klibi led the Arab League during a decade marked by regional conflicts and shifting alliances. Early in his mandate the League's headquarters were based outside Egypt in response to developments involving Cairo; Klibi's Tunisian background made him a consensus figure acceptable to many member states at the time. During his tenure the organisation continued to address issues such as Palestinian rights, inter‑Arab disputes and geopolitical tensions of the 1980s.

Contributions and legacy

Throughout his career Klibi was associated with cultural promotion and institutional stability. As minister and mayor he supported initiatives in the arts and worked on safeguarding historic sites in and around Carthage. As Arab League Secretary‑General he presided over routine diplomacy, summit preparation and the League's administrative affairs during a complex period for Middle Eastern politics. Colleagues and observers have noted his role in maintaining the Secretariat's functions amid frequent crises.

Klibi died in Tunis on 13 May 2020 at the age of 94. He is remembered for bridging national cultural work and regional diplomacy, and for being a rare non‑Egyptian occupant of one of the Arab world's most visible multilateral posts.

  • Born: 6 September 1925
  • Died: 13 May 2020
  • Secretary‑General, Arab League: March 1979 – September 1990
  • Mayor of Carthage: 1963–1990